EU now eyes Kenya's fish

By Cheki Abuje

The European Union has in the recent past turned its focus on Kenya's agricultural products for its expansive market, Africa Science News can reveal.

In what is seen as empowering and capacity building a Kenyan farmer in the agricultural sector for quality and competitive production for its market, EU has invested close to Ksh. 1billion on training and awareness creation on Sanitary and Phytosanitary  as well as Technical Barriers in Trade (TBT) requirements, adding that Kenyan farmer in Aquaculture sector stands to benefit if the EU standards are adhered to for export reasons.

According to United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) national Coordinator Ms Christine Misiko, European Union is now turning to Kenya's fish industry for white meat.

She said horticulture industry, has picked up well after Trainings, and called on fish farmers to use the opportunity to develop the fishery sector.

"Let us not just focus on local and regional markets alone, European market is readily available to us for our fish" Said Misiko.

Aquaculture Association of Kenya Chairperson Domiciano Maingi reiterated that improving quality and sanitation issues are crucial in improving market opportunities regionally. He noted that quality standards are becoming an important requirement for trading fish across borders.

Fishery is one of the most significant sources of renewable energy Kenya relies on for economic growth, food security and good nutrition.

However, Africa Science News has established that aquaculture industry in Kenya still faces a myriad of challenges which they are calling upon the government to address and fix as the European market beckons.

Some of the challenges befalling the fish sector include exorbitant prices of fish feeds. A kilo of quality feeds retails at Kshs. 150.  Other challenges are: lack of competent body to regulate fish price which is currently low, lack of knowledge, limited personal in extension services and high poverty index in the country.